Abnormal functional and structural asymmetry as biomarker for schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Human brain hemispheres exhibit anatomical and functional asymmetry (laterality).
• Schizophrenia, a severe mental illness, presents challenges in early identification and intervention.
• Hemispheric laterality is integral to neuropsychological and pathophysiological models of schizophrenia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature from the 1990s on cerebral asymmetry in schizophrenia.
• To critically evaluate the utility of cerebral asymmetry as a biological marker for schizophrenia.
• To explore its potential in improving diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and predicting conversion in at-risk individuals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on cerebral asymmetry and schizophrenia published since the 1990s.
• Critical analysis of the role of laterality in schizophrenia's neurobiology.
• Examination of genetic and population studies related to laterality in schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• Increasing research interest in the genetics of laterality and its application as a biomarker for schizophrenia.
• Abnormal cerebral asymmetry is proposed as a potential biomarker indexing various pathophysiological pathways.
• Cerebral asymmetry shows promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal cerebral asymmetry is a compelling biomarker candidate for schizophrenia.
• This biomarker could facilitate early detection and personalized treatment approaches.
• Further research into the molecular and population genetics of laterality is warranted.